Utica High School football player receives offer from Miami University

UTICA — Utica High School sophomore Carter Czapski has officially received an offer from Miami University in Ohio to play football after he graduates high school.

The offer made April 12 is a statement by Miami University, not only because it highlights the talent of the high school running back and linebacker, but because Czapski is just a sophomore and still has two seasons of high school football ahead of him.

“It was just a surreal feeling. I didn’t know what to think at the time,” Czapski said. “The first thing I did was say thank you and then I had to call my dad. … This was a big thing for me.”

Czapski plays both offense and defense for Utica, and to have his name in NCAA Division 1 recruiting circles at such a young age is special.

“Being 15, I’m still young. I have two years left,” Czapski said. “Being able to be one of those guys that they were looking at, I’m just grateful for the opportunity for them to look at me.”

The sophomore has already established himself as a vital part of Utica’s success and has high aspirations for his team as he enters his junior season this fall.

“My junior and senior year I’d like to make all-state both years. I want to leave something with this program to remember,” Czapski said. “Last year, making back-to-back playoff appearances, making history … I want to do something special.”

His dedication to the Utica program is something that’s not lost on the school. Utica head coach Matt Marulli knows that he has a talented player that he wants to lean on in the coming years.

“I’m really proud of him. I know he’s done a lot of work,” Marulli said. “He works really hard for his goals as a football player. … It’s a great thing.”

It’s also noteworthy to have a player that young playing prominent positions on both sides of the ball. Running back and linebacker are pillars of the offense and defense, and Czapski should only grow in those roles.

“He’s a good-size kid that’s strong and has some speed. … He does a lot of things that we ask him to do,” Marulli said. “He’s able to do a lot of great things. … He’s got a lot of abilities. … We’re looking for him to make steps his junior year and be a big part of the team on both sides of the ball.”

Now, as Czapski heads into his last two years, there’s a feeling that he will grow into a true leader and become one of the faces of the program.

“He works hard every day and he has a good influence on the guys around him,” Marulli said. “We have him and a group of leaders that push each other and the group pretty hard every day.”

This isn’t the end goal for Czapski, however. He wants to use this offer as an opportunity to reflect and be thankful, while also motivating him throughout the rest of his time at Utica.

“It means a lot to me. … The hard work is slowly paying off,” Czapski said. “I think we’re going to have a really good run this year. … State championship and district title. I think we’ll be able to do something big this year.”

Utica football opens the 2025 season at home against Grosse Pointe North on Aug. 28.